Personal costs of visual impairment by different eye diseases and severity of visual loss

To determine the personal out-of-pocket costs of visual impairment and to examine the expenditure pattern related to eye diseases and the severity of visual impairment.

This prospective cohort study recruited participants of any age who were able to converse in English and had presenting visual acuity (VA) of < 6/12. Participants completed cost diaries regarding their daily personal vision-related expenditure. These were grouped under four categories: 1) medicines, products and equipment, 2) health and community services, 3) informal care and support and 4) other expenses. Socio-demographic and clinical data were also collected.

In 2003 150 participants, aged between 10 and 93 years old, were recruited. The median and mean total costs of visual impairment was Australian Dollars (AUD)$2416 and $3376, respectively (mode = AUD$2001-3000, SD +/- AUD$3050, Range AUD$7-$18610). Adjusting for age, there was no effect for severity of visual impairment (mild, moderate or severe) or type of eye diseases on the annual total personal out-of-pocket costs of visual impairment (p > 0.05).

Regardless of the type of eye diseases and the severity of visual loss, visual impairment posed a significant financial burden to both the individual and society.